American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier was the product of 19th century interbreeding between bulldogs and terriers that produced the “bull-and-terrier dog,” “Half and Half,” and at times “pit dog” or “pit bullterrier,” the last named becoming the “Staffordshire Bull Terrier” in England. The bulldog of that time differed from the modern Bulldog, having a full muzzle and a long, tapering tail. There is some debate whether the White English Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, the Fox Terrier or some combination thereof were used. These dogs began to find their way into America as early as 1870 where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as a Yankee terrier.[19] They were imported primarily, but not exclusively, for pit fighting.[20] In 1936, they were accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as “Staffordshire Terriers.”[19] Breeders started creating exemplars heavier in weight. Since January 1, 1972, it was renamed to “American Staffordshire Terrier” to make a separate breed from the lighter Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England.[19]